Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, I99I

FIJI November 1991, Sitiveni Rabuka was For Fiji, 1991 was a year of continuing elected to the presidency ofthe party, political turbulence and economic winning 9 ofthe 19 votes cast to Adi uncertainty. The country weathered Lady Lala Mara's 6 and Ratu William several actual and threatened industrial Toganivalu's 4. strikes, and witnessed the emergence of The election of a commoner a number of political parties in antici­ (although an uncommon one) over two pation ofthe general elections sched­ high-ranking chiefs to head a chiefs' uled for May 1992. The economy faced party provoked much comment. Some the full onslaught of the interim Fijian observers raised fundamental regime's deregulation measures, which questions about the inevitably corro­ brought it into confrontation with sive impact on the fijian chiefly system trade unions and other opposition par­ of chiefs participating in the hurly­ ties. The year will be remembered as burly of electoral politics as traditional pregnant with many ominous possibili­ representatives oftheir people. Others ties, and some ofthem will be manifest saw the formation of the SVT as essen­ m 1992. tially an attempt by the eastern-domi­ On the political front, several nated chiefly establishment to control important developments took place. the political destiny of the taukei, and The political party backed by the Great to maintain the status quo. Council of Chiefs, the Soqosoqo ni One of these was the ever-mercurial Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT), whose Apisai Tora, who at various times in formation was approved by the council his checkered political career has in June 1990, formalized its constitu­ belonged to the Indo-fijian-backed tion and began the highly divisive pro­ National Federation Party, the Alli­ cess of selecting candidates to contest ance, and in 1987 the violence-threat­ the 37 Fijian communal seats. The SVT, ening, stridently anti-Coalition Taukei says its constitution, will promote the Movement. "Our firm view," he said interests of the taukei, the indigenous "remains that the Bose Levu Vaka­ Fijians, "in association with other eth­ turaga [Great Council of Chiefs] nic communities in Fiji," seek to rees­ should be at the pinnacle of Fijian soci­ tablish Fiji's links to the British Crown ety, totally removed from the taint of and with the Commonwealth, and pur­ ordinary politicking" (FT, 10 Oct 1991). sue economic policies that promote In July, he launched his own party, the economic growth and development All National Congress (ANC), a move within an essentially deregulated envi­ that brought the wrath of the interim ronment to allow "world market forces regime and cost him his cabinet posi­ to determine prices and production for tion in the interim government. With export and local markets through an its base in western Fiji, a place with a efficient and productive private sector long history of political dissent against enterprise" (SVT constitution, 10). In both the colonial state and the postco- THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1992 lonial Alliance government, the ANC personal political aspirations, mean presented itself as a multiracial party that political fragmentation will be a for all the people ofFiji. To no one's continuing feature of taukei political surprise, Tora presented himself as a life. changed person, "a moderate and a On the Indo-Fijian side, too, there is democrat," saying that Fiji had to find evidence of political fragmentation. In a home for all its people on the basis of 1991 a number ofparties emerged, justice and fairness: "The people of essentially fragments of bodies for­ Fiji, whether we are Fijians, Indians or merly associated with the now-defunct Europeans, or whatever, are here and Alliance party. Among them were the here to stay. There is no place else for Fiji Indian Congress and the Indian us to go" (FT, 7 Aug 1991). In 1987 Tora Liberal Party. However, these parties was among those calling for the emas­ are not likely to have any major elec­ culation ofIndo-Fijians' political toral impact; some may even vanish rights. He hopes to win a number of before election day 1992. Although seats in western Viti Levu as well as a dormant since the coups of1987, the few ANc-aligned General Voter seats to National Federation Party (NFP) hold the balance ofpower in the next remains the dominant, representative parliament. voice ofthe Indo-Fijian community. Several other Fijian splinter parties, The combination of a racially discrimi­ such as the Fijian Conservative Party natory constitution that gives Indo­ and Sakiasi Butadroka's Fijian Chris­ Fijians (nearly half the total popula­ tian Nationalist Party (formerly the tion) only 27 of the 71 seats, various Fijian Nationalist Party), hope for a pro-Fijian policies of the interim similar outcome. Butadroka's party has regime, and a general sense ofhelpless­ changed its name but not its platform. ness has given the party (and its con­ It still demands the political oblitera­ stituency) a sense of cohesiveness that tion ofthe Indo-Fijians and complete it has rarely enjoyed in the past. Fijian control ofthe economy, includ­ In September 1991, the NFP decided ing the return of all fee simple and to participate in the forthcoming elec­ other lands to indigenous hands. In tions under protest. The decision was November, Fijians in western Viti Levu taken to prevent the Indo-Fijian seats launched their own Fijian Landowners from being occupied by "irresponsible Party, with a pro-western Fijian plat­ people," in Jai Ram Reddy's words (FT, form similar to the policies ofthe West­ 21 Sept 1991). There was also the reali­ ern United Front of the 1980s (Lal, zation that, whatever the NFP'S atti­ 1983). The emergence of splinter Fijian tudes, many Indo-Fijians would con­ parties is not altogether surprising, test the seats for reasons of their own, though their impact on the Fijian polit­ including settling old scores. Boycot­ ical scene is not likely to be significant. ting the elections, the party leaders A diminishing fear of the threat of apprehended, would be disastrous for Indo-Fijian political dominance, a their community's broader interests quiet but strong suspicion ofthe hege­ and severely detrimental to the party's monic ambition ofeastern Fijians, and future survival. ,I, ! i'1III' ... ~. ••• ';.;h" • l1'l'i"", • i.," ""

POLITICAL REVIEWS

Although the decision to participate Rabuka backed down when Ganilau, may have pleased many disenchanted who is also Rabuka's paramount chief, Indo-Fijians, it deeply dismayed the said he was "extremely disappointed, NFP'S coalition partner, the Fiji Labour dismayed and shocked" by the general's Party (FLP), which had resolved earlier utterances and demanded an uncondi­ to boycott the elections. How could the tional apology from him; this was party contest elections under a consti­ offered to both Ganilau and Mara and tution it had proclaimed to the world his cabinet colleagues. According to to be racist, feudalistic, authoritarian, confidential sources within the interim and unjust? Participation in the elec­ government, Rabuka had planned to tions, argued the FLP leaders, would sack the government and replace it give legitimacy to the constitution and with a "national front" administration, amount to its acceptance. But princi­ but the move failed when senior offi­ pled resolve eventually gave way to cers ofthe army balked. Doing an practical realities. Fearing political incredible about-turn a month later, marginalization and urged by their Rabuka accepted Mara's invitation to supporters, the FLP'S indigenous Fijian join the cabinet as co-deputy prime strategists effectively jettisoned their minister and minister for home affairs previous position and began to explore (which oversees the army, police, and ways offorging a common ground security forces). Mara had outma­ with other independents and like­ neuvered the erratic general, or so it minded parties to oppose the SVT seemed for a while. (Daily Post, 29 Oct 1991). As the year While in the administration, how­ drew to a close, several FLP Fijians ever, Rabuka continued to be an irri­ were preparing to stand as indepen­ tant to his cabinet colleagues. He made dents. The difference of opinion no secret of his desire to become prime between the FLP and the NFP, on con­ minister "to fulfil my objectives and my testing the election, ended the coalition promises of1987" (PIM, Aug 1991). Pro­ arrangement between them. jecting himself as a populist consensus The fluctuating fortunes of Sitiveni maker, Rabuka helped to resolve the Rabuka frequently made the headlines sugar dispute. He angered many chiefs in 199I. The news that shook Fiji in by insisting, as the Coalition had done June 1991 was Rabuka's stinging criti­ in 1987, that they should not mix their cism of the interim government, which, traditional political roles. His distinc­ the general said, had lost touch with tion between "meritorious" chiefs and the people, "got it all wrong," and "traditional" chiefs displeased many, ought to resign. "This government is a especially his remark that the domi­ reactionary government," Rabuka said, nance of Fijian chiefs would end soon "made up of overpaid people who sit with "replacement of traditional aris­ on their laurels and wait for something tocracy with meritocracy" (FT, 29 Aug to happen before they react" (FT, 5June 1991). In November, Rabuka was 1991). He even threatened to "repossess elected to the presidency of the SVT, power" he had invested in the presi­ providing Mara with the opportunity dent. Two days later, however, to force his resignation from Cabinet. 39° THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1992

Rabuka insists that he considers him­ ning factory, hoping to produce IS mil­ self the front-runner for prime minis­ lion pineapples for export in 1994. ter, but most people in Fiji think (and Malaysia's Borneo Finance Group hope) that the post should go to Jose­ began a joint venture with the govern­ fata Kamikamica, the clean technocrat ment-owned National Bank of Fiji in widely credited with improving the April. In July, the Fiji National Petro­ performance of the Fijian economy. leum Company (Finpeco) gave Malay­ Rabuka's changing fortune is not sia the sole right to distribute petro­ difficult to explain. His professed lack leum products in Fiji, even though of interest in politics, as expressed in independent assessments show this last 1987, has been overtaken by his ambi­ move especially to be expensive. tion to become prime minister or at At the same time, the regime contin­ least playa prominent role in national ued its program ofderegulating the politics for about fifteen years. This economy. The tax-free-zone scheme, explains why he embraced populist which gives significant tax and other positions to widen his appeal and concessions to companies that export power base. But such activities dis­ 90 percent of their produce, continued. pleased others, like Mara, who had In July, 313 companies representing an hoped that after executing the coups, investment of $102 million, operated in Rabuka would disappear from center Fiji under the scheme, while another stage and leave the chiefs of the old 114 proposals were approved (PR, 21 Alliance party to run the government. Aug 1991). Plans were also approved to Rabuka refused, seeing himself, again extend the tax-free base beyond the like Mara, as being indispensable to garment industry to include timber the destiny ofhis people. Tension processing and light manufacture of between the two men, who are alike in technical equipment. There is no doubt both their autocratic temperament and that the scheme has been a significant their highly developed sense ofper­ shot in the ailing economy's arm, pro­ sonal mana, will continue to make viding employment and improving the waves in Fijian politics. balance ofpayments. Yet, independent On the economic front, the interim research confirms increasing poverty regime continued its multipronged among lower-income families in Fiji effort to resuscitate the economy (Barr, 1990). severely battered by the coups and in In related economic changes, the 1991 growing at the sluggish rate of 1.5 interim regime proposed to introduce a percent instead of the projected 3-4 per­ 10 percent value-added tax on all cent (SSD, 25 Oct 1991). It continued to major goods and services, a move its court investment from Asian countries critics say will increase the cost ofmost to break the monopoly ofAustralia major items by 6 to 8 percent and and New Zealand. Pakistan's Habib which the government says will reduce Bank opened in March 1991, and a the marginal tax rate from 40 percent Korean company bought 1200 hectares to 35 percent and abolish the basic tax. of fee simple land in Vanua Levu to The value-added tax will come into establish a pineapple farming and can- effect in 1992. ,/ ....:., ..,;, J': /

POLITICAL REVIEWS 391

The interim administration tended strike in May. The main issue in the to see all industrial problems as being dispute was the farmers' demand for caused by a hostile trade union move­ the payment in full ofthe forecast price ment bent on embarrassing it at every of F$43.70 per tonne of sugar. The Fiji opportunity. As a result in May at the Sugar Corporation proposed to pay national economic summit held in only F$34.96 per tonne, on the grounds Suva, the regime proposed (and later of declining world price for sugar, bad enacted) a number of far-reaching con­ weather, mill breakdowns, and harvest trols on the operation of trade unions delays (IBP, May 1991). After much in the country. The changes include the pressure, the corporation agreed to pay removal ofimmunity from prosecution F$6 more as part of the third and final oftrade unions in cases of damages payment. When the farmers refused to arising from "unlawful" trade disputes; accept this offer and demanded prompt the introduction ofcompany-based elections for the Sugar Cane Growers unions; the prohibition of industrial Council, through which they could air associations from acting as trade their grievances, the president pro­ unions; the use of postal or workplace mulgated decrees providing for four­ ballots for election of union officials teen-year jail sentences and fines up to (as opposed to election at annual meet­ F$IO,OOO for anyone who refused to ings); the amendment ofthe Trade Dis­ plant, grow, or harvest their crops, or putes Act to widen the definition of a in any way impaired the running of the strike to include other forms of indus­ sugar industry. When the farmers still trial action such as go-slow, work-to­ refused, the president threatened to use rule, and withdrawal ofgoodwill; and the army to harvest cane, a prospect the abolition ofwage councils because strongly condemned by Rabuka. In the "getting more people into jobs is con­ end, however, the farmers' pressure sidered a better way of addressing low paid off. The president, with the help household income than imposing an of General Rabuka, revoked the arbitrary minimum wage which denies decrees, and the farmers lifted their many people access to income" (FT, 3 boycott and agreed to participate in an Nov 1991). The Fiji Trades Union Con­ all-industry conference. gress claimed that these policies Subsequently, the farmers accused "appear to be fuelled by a savage intent the interim regime of reneging on its to constrain and ultimately destroy promises and delaying elections to the trade unions," (FT, 5 Nov 1991) and has Growers Council, and organized a vowed to enlist international support, three-day no-harvest strike in Novem­ including overseas shipping and airline ber. The tensions remain. The farmers' bans, to have them repealed. As 1991 anxiety was not relieved by the recom­ drew to a close, the stage was set for a mendations of a World Bank report bitter confrontation between the trade that included a steep increase in lease unions and the interim regime. rentals to bring them into line with Finally, disputes in the sugar indus­ world market prices. The recommen­ try also dominated the news in Fiji, dations are sure to become a sensitive bringing the country to the brink of a issue in the 1992 general elections. 392 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1992

In sum, 1991 was a year of declared negotiation of development contracts intentions, pyrrhic victories, and hard­ for 1993-1997. ening positions on both sides ofthe The concept of economic redistribu­ political divide in Fiji, sowing seeds of tion for the territory, which at first had issues and concerns that will come to mostly involved the adoption ofthe life in 1992. To paraphrase the words provincial system, gradually evolved ofHerman Melville, 1991 was like a toward new concepts as the gap that ship on its passage out, not a journey existed between the large infrastructure complete. projects proposed by the provincial BRIJ V. LAL governments and the actual expecta­ tions and needs oflocal communities became apparent. Increasingly, deci­ References sions regarding development were Barr, Kevin. 1990. Poverty in Fiji. Suva: Fiji being taken at the level ofmunicipal Forum for Justice, Peace and the Integrity governments. A discrepancy exists of Creation. between the need of many municipali­ ties in the back country and the islands Daily Post. Suva. for public facilities and their financial FT, Fiji Times. Daily, Suva. resources. Recognition of this discrep­ ancy led to a proposal to the territorial IBP, Islands Business Pacific. Monthly, Suva. congress to establish for 1992 an Inter­ municipal Readjustment Fund (Fonds Lal, Brij V. 1983. The Fiji General Election Intercommunal de Perequation) to of 1982: The Tidal Wave that Never Came. finance these public facilities. The Journal ofPacific History 18 (2): 134-157. municipality of Noumea would not PIM, Pacific Islands Monthly. Suva. be a part of this system, and would instead operate under a State-City PR, Pacific Report. Fortnightly, Canberra. contract. SVT, Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei Alain Christnacht, the new high constitution (ms in author's possession). commissioner and central government SSD, South Sea Digest. Fortnightly, Sydney. delegate for New Caledonia, assumed his post in January 1991. He had served as secretary general for the territory from 1980 to 1982, and had been head NEW CALEDONIA of Cabinet for the minister for Over­ In the context of the continuing imple­ seas Territories since July 1988. mentation of policies arising from the In April, the RPCR (Rassembfement Matignon Accord, 1991 represents a pour fa Cafedonie dans fa Repubfique, year of transition between the creation the loyalist party) held its first conven­ of the new institutions-particularly tion since that ofJuly 1988, immedi­ the provincial system-and the politi­ ately after the signing of the Matignon cal reassessment to be accomplished in Accord. Jacques Lafleur, reelected 1992 by the independentists prior to the RPCR president, described how he POLITICAL REVIEWS 393 expected the situation to develop after rent FLNKS president) has voiced strong 1998. Convinced that the independen­ opposition to these proposals, arguing tists would fail to reach a solution that they would lead to a breakup of through the 1998 referendum, he pro­ the territory. He has requested of posed a solution by consensus, to be North Province President Leopold defined according to the ratios between ]oredie that he resign from office on the various factions that emerge from account of the incompatibility between the territorial elections of 1995. his statements and the policies of the This proposal was approved by the FLNKS. president of Union Caledonienne (uc), The dispute that for months put the the majority component of the FLNKS mayor of Lifou (also first vice president (Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak of the Loyalty Islands Province) in et Socialiste, the umbrella organization opposition to the island's traditional grouping various independentist fac­ chiefs is typical ofthe problems that tions). uc President Frans;ois Burck are cropping up with increasing fre­ concluded that the concept of a Kanak quency as new development projects and socialist independence had affect Melanesian landownership evolved, and that independence for structures. Whereas land disputes used New Caledonia should no longer be to occur mostly between Melanesians thought of as a breakaway from and Europeans, a recent increase in the France, but as an interdependence. number ofsuch disputes and litigations Burck considers that the makeup ofthe between Melanesians is noticeable. consensus mentioned earlier has yet to This increase is most likely due to the be defined, and that it should be the new financial dimension given to land subject of debate before the elections of by development projects. The need to 1995. In an interview in the Paris daily define for the future the respective roles Liberation, Leopold ]oredie, president ofthe traditional chiefs and the politi­ of the North Province chapter of the cal leaders has been the subject of UC, raised the idea of creating asso­ numerous debates within the various ciated federated states that would independentist factions during the assume, progressively, a part of the year. responsibilities ofthe French central Generally, the social climate has government in matters of immigration, been less tense than in 1990, despite a mining, and foreign trade. number of strikes, many ofwhich were Uc's grass-roots membership, for prolonged because of the rivalry whom the 1998 referendum can still be between the two major labor unions, summed up as a choice between France the Union Syndicale des Travailleurs and independence, has yet to express Kanak et Exploites (Union of Kanak its opinion on these proposals by its and Exploited Workers, USTKE) and political leaders. The PALIKA party the Union Syndicale des Ouvriers et (Parti de Liberation Kanak, one ofthe Employes de Nouvelle-Caledonie minority factions within the FLNKS, to (Union of New Caledonian Workers which belongs Paul Neaoutyine, cur- and Employees, USOENC). 394 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1992

The slowdown in economic activity post of secretary general of the South that was observed in 1990 continued Pacific Commission during the Thirty­ through 1991, in spite of a recovery in first South Pacific Conference in Tonga the production and exportation of in November. He is the first French­ nickel ore during the first two quarters; speaking Melanesian and the first Cale­ the production ofmetal remained sta­ donian to hold this position. Iekawe, ble. At mid-year, the tight economic aged forty-five, was born on the island situation was still affecting industry of Tiga in the Loyalty group, and had and trade, both wholesale and retail. been secretary general for the territory For the first nine months of1991, from 1988, until he became territorial activity in the tourism sector was secretary (prefet detegue) in charge of slightly lower than in the previous year. economic development in March 1990.

By the end of September, 60,255 visitors FRAN<;:OIS SODTER had been recorded, 2.7 percent fewer than for the same period in 1990. This was mainly due to a marked drop in PAPUA NEW GUINEA Japanese visitors during the first quarter. Some negative trends of recent years Although inflation registered a sig­ continued in 1991. Although growth in nificant drop in 1990, it rose again in the minerals sector approached boom 1991. By October, the rise in retail proportions, the rest of the economy, prices had reached 4.3 percent, against on which the vast majority of the popu­ an increase of1.4 percent for the whole lation depends, remained sluggish. A of1990. widening gap between expectations On the international scene, relations and opportunities continued to aggra­ between the territory and the nations vate problems of social control and to of the Pacific region intensified. Two place resource development efforts in ministers from Vanuatu (for Health jeopardy. Meanwhile, the secessionist and for Agriculture) paid an official crisis in Bougainville, where these visit in March. In July, the Fiji Foreign problems are most starkly illustrated, Trade minister and the Solomon remained unresolved after three years. Islands Foreign Affairs minister came The government's attempt in 1991 to to New Caledonia on a mission for the confront the formidable law-and-order South Pacific Forum. In October, the problem was the most comprehensive governor ofAmerican Samoa came on to date. According to Prime Minister an information mission, followed in Rabbie NamaIiu, crime threatened the November by the deputy prime minis­ viability ofmajor resource projects and ter of New Zealand, and in December "the very future of our young country" by the prime minister of Papua New (TPNG, 21 March 1991). Some of his Guinea. crime-fighting measures were designed Another sign of the growing integra­ to improve the state's ability to exercise tion ofthe territory into the political social control. Curfews were imposed environment of the region is the in Port Moresby and other cities to appointment ofJacques Iekawe to the restrict the movement of"rascal" POLITICAL REVIEWS 395 gangs, and facilitate raids on "known ing principles, Parliament amended criminal areas." The defense force was constitutional provisions protecting called out in support of the police, who personal liberty. The purpose was to were provided with improved equip­ clear the way for the reintroduction of ment and a larger operating budget. the controversial Vagrancy Act, ruled Twenty overseas police officers were unconstitutional in 1977, as well as a recruited to join the forty or so already bill "to allow the repatriation of unem­ in Papua New Guinea under the Aus­ ployed people and troublemakers to tralian-funded Police Development their home areas" (TPNG, 21 March Project (TPNG, 19 Sept 1991). Namaliu 1991). Ifintroduced, these measures also promised more legal expertise to will give the state formidable powers to boost conviction rates, and maximum restrict freedom ofmovement in Papua security sections for prisons in Port New Guinea. Moresby and Lae to reduce the number The national service scheme for ofescapes. youth was the most innovative crime­ The curfews brought an immediate fighting measure announced by Nama­ reduction in urban crime. However, if liu in March (Boyce 1991). Minister for past experience with paramilitary Forests Karl Stack was put in charge of crackdowns is anything to go by, the the new Ministry of the Interior, and a lull in criminal activity will be only task force established to develop the temporary (Harris 1988). Ongoing concept further. At first the proposed problems with police discipline were scheme involved the recruitment of illustrated in November when police some six hundred ex-Gurkhas to help upset with housing allocations ram­ establish an armed national guard. paged through Gordon's Barracks However, most ofthe military aspects (TPNG, 14 Nov 1991). Some time may had disappeared by the time the revised also be needed to rectify existing prob­ proposal emerged from Cabinet in lems ofrecruitment, training, and August. In its latest form, the proposal retention in the court system. calls for one-year compulsory national In addition, Namaliu promised to service for males between the ages of fight crime through legislative action. sixteen and nineteen years, and volun­ The death penalty was duly introduced tary service for eighteen- and nineteen­ by Parliament as an option for violent year-old females. When fully estab­ crimes such as murder and gang rape, lished in the mid-1990S, the renamed although the proposal to tattoo crimi­ National Service Corps will consist of nals' foreheads was not pursued. Some thirty-two hundred staff supervising measures required amendments to the some thirty thousand youth at two 1975 constitution. Established princi­ hundred training posts throughout the ples of protection under the law were country. The scheme will be launched modified to accommodate a section of on a trial basis in 1992, with pilot pro­ the 1977 Inter-Group Fighting Act that jects in each province providing train­ requires accused persons to prove they ing to young male volunteers. did not take part in tribal fighting. In a The authors of a major law-and­ more significant departure from exist- order report pointed out in 1984 that THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1992 similar schemes in other parts ofthe posed new manufactured products Third World have generally been un­ would be for export, although some successful, shortlived, and very expen­ would replace imports on the domestic sive to administer (Clifford, Morauta, market. In addition, the possibility of and Stuart 1984, 125-126). Ifimple­ developing "basic industries such as mented as planned, Stack's scheme will cement, steel fabrication, ships and cost at least 70 million kina a year, a boat building" was to be pursued. The significant proportioQ of the national general idea was to attract investors to budget. Moreover, youth mobilization selected industrial sites where utility and training on this scale may prove charges, rents, wages, and other costs problematic in Papua New Guinea are controlled or subsidized. Most of where modern-sector employment the basic industries, and some aimed at prospects are extremely poor. import substitution, would presumably In 1988 the World Bank (1988 , 34) be established with the help of protec­ predicted that only 15 percent ofthe tive tariffs. estimated forty-four thousand new Announcing an earlier scheme to entrants to the workforce each year increase the labor content ofgovern­ would find formal-sector employment. ment-funded construction work, the On the assumption that there was a prime minister vowed that "any resist­ causal relationship between unemploy­ ance to this change or any undermining ment and crime, the government began of our policies will be crushed" (TPNG, work in 1991 on strategies to reduce 28 Mar 1991). Nevertheless, crucial unemployment. Early in the year, it parts of the plan are likely to encounter announced new measures designed to considerable resistance, not only from revive commodity production in the an unwieldy bureaucracy, but from the stagnant agricultural sector ofthe increasingly influential World Bank. In economy (TPNG, 7 Mar 1991). Some a survey produced in conjunction with aimed to reduce the cost of agricultural the fourth annual meeting ofPapua inputs, while others promised improve­ New Guinea's major aid donors, the ments in extension services, research, bank urged, among other things, "out­ and training. However, in the absence ward oriented" trade policies and an of a dramatic increase in export prices, end to import protection (TPNG, 13 which remain very depressed, the pros­ June 1991). At its Singapore meeting pects for growth in this sector are poor. in May, the Consultative Group for In September 1991, a major new ini­ Papua New Guinea authorized an aid tiative to stimulate growth in the non­ package worth U5$560 million. mining sector ofthe economy was The minerals sector continued to unveiled by Minister for Trade and expand despite some setbacks. Con­ Industry John Giheno (TPNG, 5 Sept struction of stage two ofthe giant gold 1991). The central focus ofthe Medium mine at Porgera, and its natural gas­ Term Industry and Trade Development fired power plant, was completed dur­ Action Plan was industrial develop­ ing the year, boosting production to ment through resource-based down­ 841,000 ounces for the first nine stream processing. Most of the pro- months of1991 (TPNG, 24 Oct 1991). POLITICAL REVIEWS 397

Even more significant, work com­ of the island. By the end of1991, the menced on the Kutubu oil project, army was ensconced at several coastal which is expected to start producing locations in the north. The most ambi­ 128,000 barrels a day in August 1992. tious military operation came in April, Landowner protests continued to when troops landed from a patrol boat plague Papua New Guinea's major north ofArawa, blew up the Arakabal resource projects during 1991. There bridge near Manetai, and then drove were several upheavals at the Kutubu for six hours to the safety of the north­ project, and in November the premier ern tip of the island (TPNG, 18 April ofthe Southern Highlands province 1991). threatened to shut the project down This military adventure was not for­ unless more local benefits materialized mally authorized by Cabinet, although (TPNG, 21 Nov 1991). Dissatisfied land­ some government ministers apparently owners forced work to stop at the Lihir had prior knowledge of it (TPNG, 2 gold project in July, and by September May 1991). Some prominent "doves" in there were reports that the mine would the coalition government, including not go ahead unless the investment cli­ Bernard Narokobi and Father John mate improved (TPNG, 4 July, 12 Sept Momis, complained bitterly that they 1991). The most serious incident came had not been consulted. Their bitter­ in March when a group of armed men ness was understandable, because the led by a local politician closed down action appeared to deal the final blow the Mount Kare gold mining project to to the Honiara Declaration on Peace, press demands for a new road (TPNG, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation on 21 Mar 1991). Bougainville that Momis, Narokobi, Early in the year the national gov­ and Foreign Minister Somare had ernment expressed interest in US busi­ negotiated in January. nessman Jay Pritzker's offer to take Like its predecessor, the 1990 over moribund Bougainville Copper Endeavour Accord, the Honiara Decla­ Limited (TPNG, 28 Feb, 4 Apr 1991). ration deferred the critical issue of But these plans seemed premature as future political status until after peace several attempts to settle the Bougain­ could be achieved, government services ville crisis floundered during 1991. restored, and a rehabilitation program Indeed, neither the national govern­ launched (TPNG, 24 Jan 1991). The ment nor the secessionists appeared most significant new provision was for capable ofdeveloping a unified and the involvement of a multinational coherent approach to the problem. supervisory team. However, by the end Most consistent in its approach was of the year this team, which the Lon­ the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, don-based Commonwealth Secretariat which had reestablished control ofthe offered to coordinate, had not been northern island ofBuka in 1990. The assembled. Government services had overall military strategy was to secure been restored only in those parts of the zones of influence in the north and province controlled by government south of Bougainville, thereby isolating forces, and even emergency medical the rebel strongholds in the central part supplies remained scarce elsewhere.

HAl THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL I992

The opposition of the military the agreement meant nothing (TPNG, undoubtedly contributed to the down­ 28 Feb 1991). fall of the Honiara Declaration. In In October, leaders from the south­ July, Father Momis charged that the ern part of the island signed an agree­ military had interfered with his efforts ment with the national government to to restore services (TPNG, 18 July 1991), establish an Interim Constituent and in October International Red Assembly (TPNG, 24 Oct 1991). At Cross officials reported that troops in year's end, national government offi­ Rabaul and Buka had been deliberately cials appeared confident that Bougain­ blocking their shipments ofessential ville would soon return to normal as medicines for several months (Age, 15 more ofthese interim authorities Oct 1991). Furthermore, the Namaliu appeared. In November, however, government appeared unwilling or rebels attacked an army camp near unable to overcome this opposition. Tinputz. Ona claimed that the raid, Colonel Leo Nuia, the architect of the which left fifteen of his men dead, April foray into Bougainville, received showed the determination of the peo­ no more than a reprimand. He was ple of Bougainville to resist any reinva­ finally dismissed in June-but only sion attempts. He promised that the after he publicly confirmed that Aus­ Bougainville Revolutionary Army tralian-donated helicopters had earlier would "fight to the last man" (TPNG, 7 been used as gunships and to dump Nov 1991). bodies of rebel suspects at sea (Snow The opposition fell into disarray in 1991). 1991, and the Namaliu government had Problems of disunity were equally little difficulty getting some major apparent on the Bougainville side of pieces oflegislation through Parlia­ the dispute. The most influential men ment. In addition to the law-and-order in Bougainville in 1991 continued to be provisions already mentioned, Parlia­ the self-styled president of the republic, ment finally adopted a constitutional Francis Ona, and members ofhis amendment that prohibits parliamen­ Supreme Advisory Council. The tary motions ofno confidence for the Interim Government, consisting mainly first eighteen months of a prime minis­ of politicians and church leaders, ter's term in office (TPNG, 25 July 1991). appeared to have only limited power. This should have a profound effect on This was publicly demonstrated national politics in Papua New Guinea, shortly after Interim Government where such votes have been frequent Chairman Joseph Kabui signed the and disruptive. Honiara Declaration on behalf of the The government encountered con­ Bougainville secessionists. When the siderable opposition from university first shipment ofrelief supplies reached students when politicians voted them­ Kieta in February, Bougainville Revo­ selves a pay raise in May. Claiming to lutionary Army Commander Samuel act on behalf of "the silent majority Kauona told reporters that Kabui had who do not have the access and the acted without authorization and that intelligence to know what is going on," ,, \ . ~,;\.' f,.

POLITICAL REVIEWS 399 the students burned government vehi­ in early October after the tribunal rec­ cles and boycotted classes (TPNG, 3 ommended that Diro be fined 3,300 May 1991). Prime Minister Namaliu kina and dismissed from public office quickly promised that Parliament for three years. These recommenda­ would reverse the decision when it tions were duly transmitted to the gov­ reconvened in July, but the students ernor-general who has an unambigu­ demanded an immediate special session ous constitutional obligation to act ofParliament and continued their boy­ accordingly. However, SirSerei Eri, a cott (TPNG, 6 June 1991). The standoff fellow Papuan, refused to sign the dis­ ended in June with the suspension of missal, claiming that it would result in the Student Representative Council, political instability. Cabinet had no the arrest ofthree student leaders, and option but to seek Sir Serei's own dis­ the arrival of armed police on the missal, especially after hearing evi­ Waigani campus of the University of dence that he had attempted to inter­ Papua New Guinea (TPNG, 20 June fere in the work ofthe tribunal on two 1991). By then it was too late to make earlier occasions. The government sub­ proper arrangements for the second sequently accepted Sir Serei's resigna­ term, and the students were sent home tion, which he tendered shortly before for the rest ofthe year (TPNG, 4 July the request for dismissal reached Her 1991). Majesty the Queen in London (TPNG, 3 In September, Deputy Prime Minis­ Oct, 10 Oct 1991). He was replaced by ter Ted Diro, the most prominent of Southern Highlands Member ofParlia­ the many individuals implicated in the ment Wiwa Korowi. 1987 forest industry inquiry, was It was not a good year for Papua finally dismissed from Parliament after New Guinea's foreign relations. Accu­ a leadership tribunal found him guilty sations ofhuman rights abuses on ofeighty-one charges of misconduct in Bougainville continued, fueled by the office. Diro did succeed in having Mr televised statements of Colonel Leo Justice Amet removed from the first Nuia and the deliberate blocking of leadership tribunal formed to hear his medical supplies to the island. The case. Apparently acting on information accusations came mainly from church received from Mrs Leila Barnett, the and community groups in Australia, estranged wife of the author ofthe for­ but reached a wider audience in August est industry report, Diro argued that he when secessionist leaders presented would not receive a fair hearing from their case to a United Nations human Amet because he was a close friend of rights subcommission in Geneva. Gov­ Barnett (TPNG, 8 Aug 1991). However, ernment officials responded by attack­ he appeared only once before a new tri­ ing foreign journalists for conveying bunal headed by MrJustice Ellis, refus­ negative images of Papua New Guinea, ing to participate further after the and the Australian government for Barnett reports were admitted as evi­ issuing visas to Bougainvillean leaders dence (TPNG, 12 Sept 1991). traveling overseas. Relations with Aus­ The most dramatic moments came tralia were strained further in Septem- 400 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1992

ber when a new joint agreement on Snow, Deborah. 1991. Blood on the security cooperation fell far short of Bougainvillea. Television documentary in official expectations in Port Moresby "Four Corners" series, broadcast by Austra­ lian Broadcasting Corporation, 24 June. (TPNG, 12 Sept 1991). Relations with Solomon Islands TPNG, Times ofPapua New Guinea. were also at a low ebb in 1991, as Weekly, Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea urged a reluctant World Bank. 1988. Papua New Guinea: Honiara to do more in the fight against Policies -and Prospects for Sustained and the Bougainville secessionists. The big­ Broad-Based Growth. Two volumes. gest humiliation of the year, however, Washington DC: World Bank Country came in September when Foreign Min­ Study. ister Sir Michael Somare lost a bid for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly, which officials had SOLOMON ISLANDS earlier claimed was all but in the bag (TPNG, 19 Sept 1991). Prime Minister Solomon Mamaloni, a to TERENCE WESLEY-SMITH leader used the rough and tumble of island politics, warned the country in ::- <. <. his 1990 Christmas message that 1991 SOME OF this material appears in my article, would not be an easy year (55, II Jan "Papua New Guinea in 1991: Problems of 1991). This proved to be the case, and Law and Order." Asian Survey 32 (February the government's travails came from 1992 ). both within and outside the country. Among the many issues of 1991, two stand out-the state of the economy References and diplomatic relations, especially Age. Daily, Melbourne. relating to the Papua New Guinea­ Bougainville debacle. Boyce, T. M. 1991. The Introduction ofthe The central focus ofthe government Civilian National Service Scheme for Youth was on improving the economy. In his in Papua New Guinea. Working Paper no. March budget speech, Minister of 237. Canberra: Australian National Univer­ Finance and Economic Planning sity, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre. Columbus Abe defined the country's Clifford, William, Louise Morauta, and major economic problems as a widen­ Barry Stuart. 1984. Law and Order in ing government deficit, poor terms of Papua New Guinea. Two volumes. Port trade, and a failure to be competitive. Moresby: Institute ofNational Affairs, and The government's strategies to remedy Institute of Applied Social and Economic these problems include commercializa­ Research. tion and privatization ofgovernment Harris, Bruce M. 1988. The Rise ofRascal­ holdings and services, upgrading gov­ ism: Action and Reaction in the Evolution ernment financial management capabi­ ofRascal Gangs. Discussion Paper no. 54. lities, and restructuring the public ser­ Port Moresby: Institute of Applied Social vICe. and Economic Research. Early in the year, the prime minister POLITICAL REVIEWS 4°1 emphasized the need for a major the Anuha resort became an intractable restructuring ofthe public service. problem for both the government and Sixty percent ofthe national budget landowners. Early in the year, Austra­ goes toward paying salaries, but as the lian investor Mike Gore dismissed alle­ prime minister correctly observed, "a gations that Anuha was for sale. lot of the job descriptions are duplica­ Despite these assurances nothing hap­ tions of the same jobs" (55,2 Jan 1991). pened, and in mid-year Minister for The basic aims of restructuring the Tourism and Aviation Victor Ngele public service are to have a slimmer, expressed doubts about Gore's serious­ fitter public service, and to distribute ness. In August the minister issued an technical people, such as planners, to ultimatum saying "if he does not reply parts of the country where they are by 12 August, we shall consider other most needed. By November, two hun­ means of how we could solve the dred of the six hundred public servants Anuha issue" (55, 2 Aug 1991). In early had received letters of dismissal from November the Anuha landowners the public service (55, 29 Nov 1991). decided to take legal action to recover Keen to keep government expendi­ the sl$800,000 owed them (55,1 Nov ture under control, Abe formed a com­ 1991). mittee, known as the Junta, to screen In April, the Solomon Islands Public government expenditures (55, 29 Jan Employees Union, which was claiming 1991). All accounting officers were a 16.5 percent salary increase, went on required to lodge their 1991 expendi­ strike after Secretary to the Prime Min­ ture plans with the Junta. ister Leonard Maenu told the executive With regard to development pro­ that the government no longer recog­ jects, the government continued its pol­ nized the union. This provoked the icy ofrestructuring by privatization, or strike, which lasted until June when the opted for joint ventures if privatization government finally agreed to pay the was impossible. Since 1992 was to be increase and back-date it to January. declared the year of tourism, the gov­ This cost the government an extra ernment wished to achieve as much as SI$5·6 million (5N, 7 June 1991). possible in that area also. The Japanese In July, the Solomon Islands government and the European Com­ National Teachers' Association went munity showed interest in extending on strike, claiming a 16 percent pay Henderson Airport terminal, improv­ increase, salaries to be paid on a fort­ ing the runway, and upgrading the nav­ nightly basis, and future increases to be igation lights. All this would cost pegged to increases for public employ­ around SI$53.9 million (55, 30 Aug ees. They also sought the removal of 1991). Early in March, Solomon Island the three officials from the prime min­ Airways (SOLAIR) opened a new route ister's office who allegedly mishandled to Cairns, which General Manager the public employees' strike (55, 12 July Robert Leong declared "the gateway to 1991). Australia and the Pacific for us" (55, 8 Human resources development con­ Mar 1991). tinued to assume great importance The dispute over the reopening of because Solomon Islands still has the 402 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1992

lowest level ofeducation in the region ated Press reporter Alfred Sasako was (Crocombe 1988, 126). The govern­ banned from entering Papua New ment's aggressive approach to the issue Guinea after he traveled to Bougain­ was underscored by the minister of ville to interview secessionist leader Finance in his budget speech when he Francis Ona (55, I Mar 1991). Then in said "The provision of manpower is May, former Prime Minister Ezekiel essential if the Solomon Island's econ­ Alebua, leaders in Western Province, omy is to develop.... the government and some Solomon Islanders with rela­ is making a major investment in educa­ tives in Bougainville sent messages of tion. Funds are provided to construct congratulations to mark the first anni­ Adaua Secondary school, upgrade the versary of the Republic ofBougain­ research training facilities at SICHE, ville's unilateral declaration of inde­ rehabilitate Choiseul Bay secondary pendence (55,17 May 1991). Friction school to form V level and to provide a was reported in December between the variety of overseas scholarships" (5N, governments of Solomon Islands and 26 Mar 1991). Papua New Guinea over Papua New The emphasis on human resources Guinea's request that two Bougainvil­ development became especially clear leans in Honiara be deported to Port and urgent when the University of Moresby (55, 6 Dec 1991). Papua New Guinea's Waigani campus There were major changes in the was closed after a student strike and provinces. Choiseul achieved auton­ Solomon Island students were forced to omy from the Western Province on 12 return home (55,26 July 1991). InJune, September. Speaking during the cere­ the council of the Solomon Islands Col­ mony to mark the birth ofthe new lege ofHigher Education expressed the province, Alfred Maetia emphasized aim to have the college converted to that "the achievement of this political university status in the future. This was milestone for Choiseul is owed to the in line with the government's Pro­ determination of the leaders and the gramme ofAction. people of Choiseul. ... it must be On the international scene, the gov­ borne in mind that the determination ernment became quite extensively has come to fruition only through the involved in the Bougainville secession democratic principles embedded in our issue. Early in the year Papua New constitution" (5N, 8 Nov 1991). Guinea's Minister for Decentralization Fundamental constitutional changes Father John Momis made a surprise were achieved on 2 August. The chair visit to Honiara. This was supposed to ofthe Special Select Committee for the be a private visit to Prime Minister Patriation ofthe Constitution, Francis Mamaloni, but soon afterward Papua Saemala, presented the committee's New Guinea officials and representa­ report to the prime minister. It recom­ tives ofthe Bougainville Revolutionary mended that the constitution, which is Army met to produce the Honiara a schedule to the 1978 Independence Accord. Order (an act ofthe British Parlia­ Matters got complicated when Solo­ ment), be established as a separate mon Islander and Australian Associ- instrument, the creation ofparliamen- .,t~,. I 1 j .. ~, . '1. , n~,<,. '~'''.,,.J'

POLITICAL REVIEWS

tary standing committees, the rotation of the country, this could be a hercu­ of the governor-general among the lean undertaking.

provinces, improving parliamentary JOHN MOFFAT FUGUI standing orders, and identifying areas of the constitution needing immediate amendments (5N, 20 July 1991). References Leadership, especially political lead­ Crocombe, Marjorie T. 1988. Satellites and ership, continued to bean issue. Sir Centres. In Pacific Universities: Achieve­ Peter Kenilorea left politics after fifteen ments, Problems and Prospects, edited by years of service to become director of Ron Crocombe and Malama Meleisea, the Forum Fisheries Agency. On 17 II9-132. Suva: Institute ofPacific Studies, October, Andrew Nori resigned as University of the South Pacific. leader of the opposition because he 5N, Solomon Nius. Weekly, Government lacked the necessary support. He was Information Service, Honiara. succeeded by Joses Tuhanuku (5N, 8 55, Solomon Star. Weekly, Honiara. Nov 1991). Reputations of a number of leaders were under scrutiny. The Lead­ ership Code Commission finally VANUATU cleared the names ofAlex Barlett, Col­ ombus Abe, and the prime minister For Vanuatu, 1991 was the year of the over the 1990 51$250 million loan pro­ three prime ministers. In August-Sep­ posal, ruling that their action did not tember Father Walter Lini was finally contravene section 94(1)(b)(c)(d) ofthe replaced as Vanua'aku Pati (vp) leader constitution. and prime minister by Donald Kalpo­ Among the political parties, the Peo­ kas. And in the national elections in ples' Alliance Party appeared active December, the vp-which had ruled and organized. Early in the year, Act­ Vanuatu since independence in 1980­ ing General Secretary David Kausimae lost office to a coalition led by Maxim called for party members who were Carlot and dominated by his (fran­ ministers in the Mamaloni government cophone) Union ofModerate to show their real allegiance to the Parties (UMP). party (55, IS Feb 1991). During the Dissatisfaction with Lini's leader­ annual general meeting in November, ship had mounted in February when he new officers were elected and issued an sacked Finance Minister Sela Molisa, ultimatum to the ministers to make the apparently over "personality differ­ choice to resign from the Government ences" (PR, 14 Feb 1991, I). The dis­ of National Unity or face being sacked missal followed a major Cabinet by the party (55, IS Nov 1991). reshuffle in November 1990, in which Overall, 1991 proved quite eventful. Lini had assumed several key portfo­ For the Mamaloni government, more lios. The previous October, Lini had determination and decisiveness are sacked Grace Molisa, a senior political needed to implement the party's poli­ adviser and the wife of Sela Molisa. cies in the remainder ofits parliamen­ She had been Lini's private secretary tary term. Even for a "founding father" for several years, but they fell out when THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1992 she denounced his expulsion of five Lini's troubles worsened in May. He expatriate businessmen (PR, 31 Oct had a mild heart attack, compounding 1991,3). Deportation orders ("green the poor health he has experienced letters") have been controversial in since suffering a stroke in early 1987. Vanuatu, because at times they have He could not fulfill the heavy workload been used to remove business rivals he had assumed. In many areas govern­ and settle political and personal scores, ment and administration ground to a especially against French expatriates halt (PR, 16 May 1991,2). In late 1990, (see PIM, July 1991, 20-21). Lini had expressed willingness to stand Lini's critics claimed he had become down at some future date, but now he dependent on two advisers-a local refused to give up power, and in June Vietnamese businessman, Dinh van and July sacked four more ministers as Tanh, and a wealthy American, Jack well as several public servants. In late Scantlin-while losing touch with for­ July, leaders of the Presbyterian church mer VP associates (IBP, Oct 1991, 21­ denounced his arbitrary actions and 22; PIM, July 1991, 18, 21). Despite the "increased nepotism" in his admin­ leadership tensions, VP officials drew istration (PR, 25 July 1991, I). Lini's comfort from the partial local elections position had become untenable: the held in late January, in which the VP Presbyterian church is adhered to by performed reasonably well (PR, 14 Feb some 40 percent of the population and 1991,3; VW, 2 Feb 1991, I, II). traditionally has formed the VP's sup­ In late March the new terminal, port base, along with the Anglican funded by Japan, was opened at Bauer­ church, in which Lini is a priest (see field, the international airport. This Henningham 1989,173). followed the extension of the runway, The crunch came at a special VP funded by Australia, completed earlier congress held on 7 August. The meet­ in the year. At the opening ceremony, ing, which Lini and his supporters boy­ Lini thanked these two countries and cotted, chose Donald Kalpokas to also the United Kingdom, the Euro­ replace Lini as party president. Under pean Economic Community, and New the VP constitution the party president Zealand for their contributions toward also serves as prime minister when the the improvement ofVanuatu's tourism party is in power, so Kalpokas was set and air transport facilities (VW, 28 Mar to become prime minister, bringing 1991, I, II). Lini's eleven-year term to an end. But Criticism ofLini increased further in Lini defied the congress decision, cling­ mid-April after he sacked three senior ing to power until ousted in a parlia­ public servants. In an attempt to mentary vote of no-confidence on 6 resolve the leadership question, the VP September. Before leaving office Lini brought its annual congress, planned announced, on 17 August, the release for June, forward to late April. After ofJimmy Stephens, imprisoned in 1980 heated discussions at the congress, for leading the abortive secession Lini's supporters managed to defer the attempt on Espiritu Santo. Stephens, vote on the membership of the national now seventy-six, in poor health, and executive (PR, 2 May 1991, I). nearing the end ofhis sentence, had ":1 • • ,~::.,' f~, \i

POLITICAL REVIEWS

agreed to engage in a ceremony of cus­ percent in 1987. Regional differences tomary reconciliation with Lini follow­ were apparent in the voting patterns. ing his release (vw, 24 Aug 1991, I, 6­ The VP won most of its seats in the cen­ 7; IBP, Oct 1991, 24)· tral and southern islands, whereas the The new prime minister announced NUP won most of its seats in the north­ that national elections would be held ern islands. soon and said that his administration The UMP first sought to establish a would restore business confidence (PR, governing coalition with the MPP and 19 Sept 1991, 2). In October, he rein­ then with the VP. But both parties stated Grace Molisa as private secre­ asked too high a price. So the UMP tary to the prime minister. Meanwhile fashioned a coalition with Lini's NUP investigations into the conduct ofLini and with the small Fren Melanesia began. party to obtain a 30-seat majority. On Kalpokas' term as prime minister 16 December, at the first sitting of the was brief: his government lost power at new parliament, Maxim Carlot, the the elections on 2December. The polls UMP'S secretary general, became the went ahead peacefully, with only new prime minister. While conceding minor irregularities. The UMP won 30.6 that the deal with Lini's party had percent of the vote and 19 seats. Next caused dissension within the UMP, came the VP, with 22.6 percent ofthe Carlot argued that the coalition vote and 10 seats, and Lini's newly arrangement would permit stable gov­ formed National United Party (NUP), enment (Age, 26 Dec 1991,13). Carlot with 20.4 percent and 10 seats. Barak named an eleven-member cabinet com­ Sope's Melanesian Progressive Party prising himself and six other UMP mem­ (MPP), formed after the Lini-Sope split bers and four NUP members. The NUP in 1988, won 15-4 percent of the vote members included Hilda Lini, a promi­ and 4 seats, with most of the remaining nent journalist and politician and a sis­ votes and I seat each going to the Tan ter ofWalter Lini, who thus became Union, Nagriamel, and Fren Melanesia Vanuatu's first woman minister. Lini (Van Trease, 1991, II-I2; VW, 14 Dec himself remained on the back bench, 1991,10-15). though it was rumored that in due The UMP had performed less con­ course he would succeed Fred Tima­ vincingly than in the 1987 elections, kata as president of Vanuatu. when it gained 39.9 percent ofthe vote, In an address to the nation, Prime and only slightly better than in 1983, Minister Carlot said his government when its share was 28.6 percent. In would reestablish political stability, 1991 the main difference was that the reconcile differences, encourage invest­ former VP had split into three parties. ment, and promote economic develop­ Indeed at 58.4 percent, the combined ment (VW, 21 Dec 1991,7-8, II). He percentage performance in 1991 of the promised to promote bilingualism, VP, the NUP, and the MPP was almost as ending the disadvantages of Fran­ high as the 60.5 percent attained by the cophones under VP rule. He also former VP in 1979 and higher than its denounced nepotism and business scores of55 percent in 1983 and 47.3 favoritism. He and his supporters indi- THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1992

cated that inquiries into alleged malad­ References ministration and corruption by the Lini Adams, Ron. 1991. Vanuatu. The Contem­ government and its associates may be porary Pacific 3: 418-421. pursued. Although keen to strengthen connections with France, Carlot said Age. Daily, Melbourne. he wanted Vanuatu to maintain close Henningham, Stephen. 1989. Pluralism and links with Australia, New Zealand, the Party Politics in a South Pacific State: United Kingdom, and the PacificIsland Vanuatu's Ruling Vanua'akuPati and Its countries. Rivals. Conflict 9: 171-195. Carlot's government faces big chal­ IBP, Islands Business Pacific. Monthly, lenges. He and his ministers lack expe­ Suva. rience. The UMP-NUP alliance is fragile: the UMP is a loose, factionalized coali­ PIM, Pacific Islands Monthly. Suva. tion, and there are both bad blood and PR, Pacific Report. Fortnightly newsletter, policy divergences-notably over for­ Canberra. eign policy and land issues-between it Van Trease, Howard. 1991. Election and the NUP. The political uncertain­ Results. Vanuatu Weekly, r4 December: ties of1991 worsened economic and II-12. developmental problems. The new administration will need to contain VW, Vanuatu Weekly. Vila. anglophone-francophone and regional rivalries and to provide stable and effective government if Vanuatu is to fulfill its potential. STEPHEN HENNINGHAM